*Update* Look at FIRST PAGE & POST for new Brunswick pics

[larryh]

I agree the cabinet is a very fine design and the scratches while many, most likely can be darkened and after the machine is cleaned up probably can be made to look rather good. Unless its a lot worse in person I don't think I would attempt a refinish. At best a very thinned overcoat of shellac after throughly removing any wax or dirt.

[Steve]

I agree the cabinet is a very fine design and the scratches while many, most likely can be darkened and after the machine is cleaned up probably can be made to look rather good. Unless its a lot worse in person I don't think I would attempt a refinish. At best a very thinned overcoat of shellac after throughly removing any wax or dirt.

I agree. Unless that cabinet is seriously worse condition 'in the flesh' I would not even consider refinishing it. It would destroy the integrity (not to mention value) and 'age' of the original machine and make it look like something reproduction. Not a good approach.

[Tinkerbell]

I am hoping to make a road trip tomorrow to check it out.

If I bring it home, I was thinking of just using the Howard Restor-a-finish on it, with either a paste wax or the Howard Feed-n-Wax on top. Anyone think otherwise?

[OrthoSean]

I'd be on that like white on rice!

Seriously. Go-Jo (or Kotton Kleanser if you want to waste money) the cabinet first...be sure to buy the non-pumice kind. Let the cabinet dry really well for a few days after using go-jo. Apply it, rub it into the finish, let it sit for five minutes or so and wipe it off with paper towels or soft cotton cloths, using clean cloths. After you've removed all the years of old wax and gunk, you'll have a much cleaner looking cabinet. Let it dry for three or four days, then use Howard's if you think it needs it. You may find it doesn't. Finish up with Howard's feed 'n' wax or paste wax. You'll be AMAZED!

For $50, I'd tell them to hold it for me right now!

Good luck!

Sean

[Valecnik]

I agree. Onward to Hopkins! There's a big antique shop on the main drag that sells Kotton Klenser and Protective Wood Feeder, (by Kotton Klenser. I doubt you will need anything more.

[Tinkerbell]

I've already got Kotton Klenser in my arsenal of "old wood" products that I use for other antiques around my house, so I'm good there.

While I do have the jumbo jug of Go-Jo, it is the pumice variety (which I use to clean my greasy self with).

[larryh]

I wouldn't mix more than the kotten klenser on to the finish as it alone will soften it somewhat. I have found over the years that it usually does about as good a job as anything. I spent a lot of time reading the bottles of Howards restoring or what ever they call it liquid but I was leery of the way they described the use of the product. It sounded a lot like using denatured alcohol on it which is fine if you know what your trying to do, but not if your unsure. I decided to not try it but I know many here have evidently used it with good results. I wouldn't mix the two things though.

Generally I find that the kotten klenser removed a lot of dirt and will greatly reduce or eliminate white marks on the surface. As said a reasonably long dry time should be allowed as the shellac will be a bit tacky feeling for some time. Finding a stain that will match to use on the light spots will be a hair tricky. Even more difficult is to then get the surface to match the shine of the shellac. Hopefully they are mostly small and narrow and will be hidden by several coats of wax.

[OrthoSean]

Larry,

There is no reason you can't use the two. My point above was that *if* Howard's was to be used to be certain to allow the cabinet to dry for a few days after cleaning it. I found out once the hard way if you use RAF too soon after cleaning a cabinet, you end up with a cloudy appearing finish, which I was able to fix, but not easily. I've only used RAF on a few really sad cabinets and it works very well, but again, the cabinet must be totally dry and free of any residue from what was used to clean it (Kotton Kleanser, GoJo or whatever you choose to use).

I'll say this again, I highly doubt this Brunswick needs anything other than a good cleaning. I've cleaned up worse looking cabinets than this without resorting to Restore a Finish.

Sean

[Tinkerbell]

I'm heading up tomorrow (Saturday)... wish me luck!!

Oh, one other quick question. Provided that I secure everything first like tonearm, reproducer(s), turntable, is there any reason why I cannot transport this horizontally/flat in the bed of my pick? I'd just like to make sure it stays dry in case it decides to rain.

Thank you!

[estott]

You should remove anything movable first- lift off the turntable and take the arm off (should be just a couple of screws to remove). If you can possibly do it remove the motor and motorboard- it's meant to hang down and when you lay the machine on its back that puts a lot of stress on things- plus it's easier to carry the cabinet around without the weight of the motor. Wrap the cabinet in pads or blankets and be sure the lid is secured so the hinge doesn't break.